Fesarta and trucking bodies join forces to fight crime

Crime remains an ongoing concern for transporters moving goods across Africa. In Chirundu operators have warned against night driving as bandits jump on slow moving trucks and cut tarpaulins to get hold of cargo, while syndicates operating at the border post are alleged to target truck drivers directly, offering them money for the loads. “It is not anything new,” says Barney Curtis, executive director of the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Association (Fesarta). “Traditionally loads have come under attack by people who jump on the back of trucks in the Chirundu escarpment where the trucks have to slow down. We are seeing a trend where trucks are being targeted in the Lusaka area itself. When they slow down at traffic lights, loads are grabbed.” With copper and cobalt along with other mineral commodities often being transported under strict surveillance, crime is a major concern. “There are certain guidelines that drivers can follow to minimise the risk - like not driving at times when these incidents happen. In some cases armed escorts are a way of stopping the disappearance of an entire truck and its load.” Curtis said various initiatives were under way to address crime – such as working together to find solutions. “For a long time people have not talked about it because theft, corruption and smuggling have been difficult to deal with. But more organisations are coming forward and taking a stand.” He said Fesarta and several trucking associations were now working together to find solutions to crime. “As national organisations we can possibly address the matter and find ways to ensure the safer transportation of cargo.”